Richmond Masonic Lodge

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The Richmond Masonic Lodge at 185th and Linden Ave N was built for the local Masonic organization in 1921-22. The Masons held their first meeting in the building in 1922.

The Lodge was open to all for social events. It was also the home of the Richmond Highlands Rainbow for Girls, Job's Daughters, and Order of the Amaranth.

In 1943, lodge members serving in the military during World War II were notified that their dues were waived for the war's duration. 

In 1972, Richmond Masons marked their 50th anniversary and became the sole owner of the lodge after many years of joint ownership with Eastern Star. In 1996, Haller Lake Lodge consolidated with Richmond Lodge to become Richmond-Haller Lake Lodge #248.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The building and property have been for sale for over a year. Organizations such as the 32nd District Democratic Organization continue to meet in the building. Rainbow for Girls is still active in the area.

The property was put on the market just as the economy went into recession and developers were no longer able to obtain or maintain bank loans for building projects. When the economy improves, the property will be valuable for the land which is in a prime location in the new Shoreline Town Center. Real estate agents expect that any buyer would demolish the building.

Historical information for this article partly from the Shoreline Historical Museum.